Tom Cleverley to return to action from ankle injury in Under-21s match

Everton midfielder Tom Cleverley has stepped up his return from an ankle injury as he plans to feature in tonight's Under-21s match at Goodison Park.

The England international has been out of action since September after suffering ankle ligament damage during the Toffees' goalless draw against Tottenham Hotspur.

The 26-year-old was thought to be in contention to return for last weekend's Premier League match against his former club Manchester United, but the midfielder was not included in the team that suffered a 3-0 defeat.

The club have confirmed that Cleverley, along with Steven Pienaar and Bryan Oviedo, will play for the U21s against Schalke 04 this evening.